Children’s home at 18 Windsor Drive, Elmdon, Solihull

What was proposed

The application sought to change a three-bedroom dwelling into a children’s home for up to two children aged 5 to 17.

“Proposal: Change the use of a C3a dwelling to a children's home (C2) for up to two children aged 5-17 years, with a manager and two carers, who will sleep overnight, working on a rota basis.”

“This planning application seeks consent for the change of use from an existing residential dwelling house (Use Class C3a), into a residential children’s home (Use Class C2). The proposed residential children’s home will provide residential accommodation for up to a maximum of two children, aged 5-17 years. The children will be supported by two staff members on site per shift (7:30am – 10:30pm and 10:00pm – 08:00am), as well as a registered manager between 9am and 5pm.”

Officer report

Residents’ concerns

Six objection letters from five addresses raised concerns including the change of use, amenity, highway safety, precedent, housing loss and over-intensification.

“In total, the LPA has received a total of 6 objection letters from 5 different addresses in relation to this application. All correspondence has been reviewed and the main relevant planning issues raised are summarised below (Planning Committee Members have access to all third-party correspondence received):”

“Material change of use • Impact on the character of the area • Impact on neighbouring amenity • Impact on highway safety • Setting a precedent • Potential for further other uses including HMO • Loss of housing • Failed to demonstrate they are a registered Ofsted provider • Eviction of current tenants at the property • Over-intensification…”

Officer report

Who spoke

[name withheld] and Councillor Laura McCarthy spoke against the application, while Councillor Eleonora Gough took no part.

The committee’s decision

The committee granted conditional approval in accordance with the officer recommendation.

“PL/2026/00520/PPFL - 18 WINDSOR DRIVE Conditional approval as per the officer recommendation.”

Minutes